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Zinedine Zidane Success Story: Zinedine Zidane… is such a name in the world of football that to call him just a player or a coach would probably be belittling his stature. This is the story of a boy who started playing with plastic balls in the poor slums of France and then established his dominance on the world’s biggest football stage. He had magic in his feet on the field, extraordinary intelligence in his mind and hunger for victory in his heart… but his story is not just one of success, but also of struggle, controversy and legacy.

Whenever there is talk of the greatest players of football, Zidane’s name appears at the top. From making France champion in the 1998 World Cup, to that famous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final, and then to creating history as the coach of Real Madrid, Zidane’s journey seems no less than a film script.

‘Jiju’ reached the world’s biggest stage while playing on the streets

Born on 23 June 1972 in La Castellane area of ​​Marseille city of France, Zidane’s childhood was spent in financial crisis. His parents came to France from Algeria. Father Ismail Zidane used to keep watch at night, while the family managed its life with limited resources. Football was not just a game for Zidane, but a path to a better life. At the age of just five years, he started playing in the streets and empty fields of the locality. While playing with a plastic ball, no one had thought that this same child would one day become the world’s biggest football icon. Zidane is also called Zizou.

Fate changed at the age of 14

Zidane’s talent was visible since childhood. At the age of just 14, a scout recognized his talent and he got a place in the youth academy of Cannes Club. His professional journey started from here. After Cannes, Zidane made his mark in Bordeaux club and then reached Italy’s legendary club Juventus. At Juventus he established himself among the best midfielders in the world. His passing, ball control and ability to read the game made him different from other players.

Real Madrid bought for a record amount

In 2001, Real Madrid bought Zidane for 77.5 million euros. At that time it was the most expensive transfer in the world… but Zidane proved that the trust the club had placed in him was justified. Zidane’s left-footed volley goal against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League final is still counted among the most beautiful goals in football history. Many experts consider it the greatest Champions League final goal of all time.

1998 World Cup made France a national hero

The 1998 FIFA World Cup played on French soil made Zidane immortal. In the final, against a strong team like Brazil, he scored two brilliant header goals and gave France its first World Cup. Not only did France win that night, but the son of a poor migrant family became the hero of the entire country. After this, he also made France the champion in Euro 2000 and became the player of the tournament.

Zidane’s career was full of achievements. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1998. At the same time, he became FIFA World Player of the Year thrice (1998, 2000, 2003). Zidane was a part of the team that won both the World Cup and Euro Cup. Not only this, he won almost every major title at club and international level. His name became included among the most influential players in football history.

The headbutt of 2006 that shocked the world

If we were to find the biggest dramatic turning point in Zidane’s story, it would be the 2006 World Cup final. This was the last match of his career. France and Italy were face to face. The match had reached extra time. Then Italy defender Marco Materazzi allegedly made derogatory remarks about Zidane’s family. After a few seconds the world saw a scene which no one had imagined.

Zidane turned and hit Materazzi hard on the chest with his head. The referee showed him a red card and his career ended at that moment. France lost the final. The picture of Zidane passing by the World Cup trophy with his head bowed is still counted among the most emotional pictures in sports history.

Player turned coach and then created history

Many great players are not successful in coaching, but Zidane changed history here too. In 2016, he became the head coach of Real Madrid and achieved a feat which no other coach could do till date. They won the UEFA Champions League title three times in a row in 2016, 2017 and 2018. This achievement is still unique in football history. Apart from this, he also won the La Liga trophy twice and included himself in the list of great coaches.

Who is Zidane married to?

Zidane met Véronique Lentisco-Fernandez in 1989. Zidane was only 17 years old then. Their relationship grew stronger with time and they got married in 1994. Zidane often says that if anyone has been the biggest support in his life, it is his wife Veronique.

Four sons, all four footballers

Zidane has four sons and the special thing is that all four made football their career. Enzo Zidane and Theo Zidane are midfielders, Luca Zidane is the goalkeeper, while Alyaz Zidane is a defender. All four have been part of Real Madrid’s youth academy at one time or the other.

What is Zidane doing today?

After leaving Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane has not taken up any new coaching project. He spends time with his family, participates in charity programs and is the ambassador of many big brands. However, the football world is still waiting to see which team Zidane will take charge of again. Many times his name has been associated with the French national team and big clubs of Europe.

A legacy that will live forever

Zidane’s story is not just a football story. This is the story of a boy who defeated poverty, conquered the world, made mistakes, learned from them and then created a new identity. There are very few players who are great as players and also create history as coaches. Zinedine Zidane is one of those select names whose legacy is recorded not only in records but in the hearts of millions of football lovers.